Morton Middle School

VANDALIA — A seventh-grader accused of threatening to shoot a sixth-grader faces expulsion in addition to the criminal charges filed against him.

The boy made the threat to the six grader around 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 aboard a bus after it left Morton Middle School. 

The victim called in to the police station early Dec. 8, stating that the seventh-grader called the student a “towel head,” a “terrorist” and was responsible for bringing down the twin towers. 

The older boy also called him “the son of ISIS” and asked if he was going to bomb him. The victim said he did not hear the gun threat, but said he believed the older boy would harm him and other students, according to the report.

The seventh grader was arrested and charged with ethnic intimidation and aggravated menacing. Before he was taken to the Montgomery County Juvenile Justice Center, he wrote an apology letter at the police station, telling the younger boy he was sorry for what he said and for scaring him, the report stated.

Vandalia-Butler City Schools released a statement about the incident, saying district officials are actively working with police. Administrators met with the student’s parents and processed paperwork calling for a 10-day suspension with a recommendation for expulsion on the seventh-grader. 

The expulsion hearing would be held at a later date, according to the statement.

“First and foremost in our minds is the safety and security of our students,” Superintendent Brad Neavin stated. “It is important for our students and their parents to understand we take them at their word when they make these threats. We will treat all threats seriously, taking immediate and decisive action to protect the safety and welfare of our students, staff and community.”